Third Day Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Jeff N. Spaw, MD

Joint pain can make even the most basic tasks, like walking up and down the stairs, seem impossible. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and joint replacement specialist Jeffrey Spaw, MD, treats all types of joint pain at Third Day Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in College Station and Brenham, Texas. If you or a loved one suffers from debilitating joint pain, don’t hesitate to call or book an appointment online today.

Joint Pain Q & A

What is joint pain?

Joints are where two or more bones come together to help your body move in different ways. Your body contains many joints, but the most common to cause pain include:

Hips

Knees

Elbows

Wrists

Ankles

Shoulders

Joint pain may develop gradually or come on suddenly. Discomfort may range in severity from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain. You may only experience pain during certain activities, or it may be constant.

What causes joint pain?

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Less common types of arthritis include lupus and gout.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that lines the ends of your bones wears down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to attack the tissue that surrounds your joints.

Other causes of joint pain include:

Bursitis

Sports injuries

Tendonitis

Fractures

Fibromyalgia

As a highly trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Spaw accurately diagnoses the underlying cause of your joint pain. Then, he implements effective treatment so you can resume the activities you love.

How is joint pain diagnosed and treated?

First, Dr. Spaw spends time discussing your symptoms and medical history with you. Then, he performs a physical exam, paying special attention to the painful joint. He may perform tests, like an X-ray or blood work, to diagnose your specific condition.

Then, he creates a personalized treatment plan for your particular needs. Depending on the underlying cause of your joint pain, treatment may include:

Rest and physical therapy

Oral medications

Therapeutic injections

If your joint pain is severe and negatively affects your quality of life, Dr. Spaw may recommend total joint replacement surgery. Dr. Spaw is a joint replacement specialist with expertise in the most advanced procedures, including:

Shoulder replacement

Reverse shoulder replacement

Hip replacement

Anterior approach hip replacement

Arthritis is the most common reason for joint replacement surgery, but Dr. Spaw may recommend this procedure for other conditions, like a severe fracture.

To find relief for your joint pain and to see if a joint replacement is the best treatment, call Third Day Orthopedics & Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today.